Perth WA, Australia, 21 February 2018 | David Packman

After qualifying for the Perth Tennis International #2, Jaimee Fourlis has upset Thai seventh seed Peangtam Plipuech to reach the second round.

The Victorian teenager was forced to work hard for her victory on Wednesday, dropping the opening set before recovering to take the match 3-6 7-5 6-2.

“It was a really tough day but I managed to get through it,” she said. “I got those two extra matches in qualifying which was actually really good and now to win my first round in the main draw, I’m pretty happy about that.”

After reaching the quarterfinals in the first ITF $25,000 event in Perth last week – losing to Russian Irina Khromacheva, the eventual title winner – Fourlis says she is confident about the year ahead, her first after completing studies.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” she said. “This year is all about getting matches and learning for me, so it’s been a really good start so far. I can’t wait for the rest of the year.”

The other Australians in action didn’t fare so well on Wednesday, with last week’s semifinalist Maddison Inglis the only other winner; the local favourite continuing her great form at home to defeat Japanese qualifier Nagi Hanatani 6-1 6-1.

Qualifiers Olivia Tjandramulia and local Jessica Moore, as well as wildcard Isabella Bozicevic, all lost to their Japanese opponents, with top seed Eri Hozumi making a solid start in ousting Tjandramulia in straight sets.

Fourlis will now meet Japan’s Risa Ushijima, herself a qualifier, for a place in the quarterfinals and a potential rematch with Khromacheva, while Inglis faces Romanian No.5 seed Jaqueline Adina Cristian.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.